JANUARY 13 FORD E-NEWS

JANUARY 13 FORD E-NEWS

Ford takes top honors at North American International Auto Show

It was a clean sweep, with Ford taking both 2010 North American Car and Truck of the Year awards at this week’s North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Wins for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect makes for just the third time in 17 years one manufacturer has earned both awards. The Fusion Hybrid edged out the Buick LaCrosse and Volkswagen Golf/GTI to win Car of the Year, while Transit Connect bested the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback to win the prestigious Truck of the Year title. more…

The next-generation Ford Focus, first in a range of Ford global C-cars, made its worldwide debut at NAIAS. Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus promises to be a true driver’s car, with feature content unrivaled in its segment, class-leading new technologies, universally high levels of quality and exceptional fuel economy. The dynamic four-door sedan and five-door hatchback will go on sale in the U.S. early in 2011, with the platform expected to underpin 2 million vehicles the world over by 2012. more…

Led by industry-exclusive MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology, the new 2011 Lincoln MKX offers a wealth of new features not available anywhere else in the midsize luxury crossover segment. An engaging, refreshed exterior design complements a new interior featuring world-class craftsmanship, materials and execution. The new Lincoln MKX has best-in-class power and torque versus all V-6 competitors with horsepower increased to 305 and torque up to 280 ft.-lb. It also boasts unsurpassed highway fuel economy of 25 mpg – all on regular fuel. more…

Ford continues to be recognized as the leader in connecting drivers with in-car technologies through solutions that are smarter, safer and simpler with the introduction of MyFord™ driver connect technology. Popular Mechanics gave its Editor’s Choice award to MyFord for best new product at the 2010 International CES while CNET recognized the technology as "Best of CES." Available this year, the new in-vehicle connectivity experience replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. With clear, crisp and customizable LCD screens and five-way buttons like those on cell phones and MP3 players, drivers can choose which information is front and center through a button click, voice command or touch-screen tap. more…

A most electrifying development equates to new-generation hybrids and more jobs

Plenty of people talk the talk about transforming the auto industry for a sustainable future, but Ford is taking it one step further and putting its money where its mouth is. Ford announced Monday it will invest an additional $450 million in its aggressive electric vehicle plan, paving the way to build a next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle in Michigan beginning in 2012 and creating 1,000 new jobs. This comes in addition to Ford’s already announced plans to invest $550 million to build the all-new Focus starting in 2010 and Focus Electric pure battery electric vehicle in 2011. more…

As part of a five-year effort to overhaul its entire global powertrain portfolio, for a total of 60 new powertrains, Ford will introduce nine new or upgraded engines and six new transmissions in North America this year. One of these advanced, fuel-efficient powertrains is the next-generation Ford Focus’s all-new normally aspirated 2.0-liter direct-injected engine, the first of its kind in a Ford vehicle in North America. Ford also will launch new engines and transmissions in Fiesta, Mustang, Super Duty and F-150 this year. These new powertrains are expected to propel each vehicle to best-in-class status in fuel economy. more…

When it comes to class-exclusive technology, the 2010 Ford Taurus leads the pack. Ford’s flagship sedan is the winner of the first-ever Edmunds.com Technology Breakthrough award, presented to vehicles that set the standard for intuitive, practical and affordable technology that enhances safety and convenience for drivers and passengers. Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price – including 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer – making it an excellent value for consumers, says Edmunds.com. more…

The 2011 Mustang GT is set to make its hip-hop debut alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Nelly. A true car guy, Nelly will feature a 2011 Mustang GT customized by DUB Magazine in his new album coming out this spring. Nelly has always loved the Mustang, and says it is one of the hottest muscle cars ever to hit the street. For Ford, partnering with Nelly just makes sense: The 35-year-old rapper, actor and mogul has an impressive history in the entertainment world, just as the Mustang has a strong history in the automotive world. more…

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.